verbverb

cacher

hide

Mettre quelque chose dans un endroit pour que personne ne le voie ou ne le trouve.

The French verb "cacher" means "to hide" or "to conceal." It refers to the action of putting something or someone somewhere where they cannot be seen or found.

Examples:

"Il cache ses affaires sous le lit." (He hides his things under the bed.)
"Elle cache la vérité." (She hides the truth.)

Synonyms and their differences:

1. Dissimuler

Means "to conceal" or "to hide," often used in a more deliberate or secretive sense, especially regarding information or feelings.
More formal than "cacher."
Example: "Il a dissimulé ses intentions." (He concealed his intentions.)

2. Masquer

Means "to mask" or "to cover up," often implying hiding the true nature or appearance of something.
Can be used metaphorically, like hiding one's emotions or defects.
Example: "Elle a masqué son émotion." (She masked her emotion.)

3. Se cacher

Reflexive form meaning "to hide oneself."
Example: "L’enfant se cache derrière la porte." (The child hides behind the door.)

In summary:

"Cacher" is the general term for hiding something physically or figuratively.
"Dissimuler" focuses on hiding information or intentions, often more formal.
"Masquer" implies covering or disguising something, often a characteristic or feeling.
Use "se cacher" when referring to someone hiding themselves.